US20090050406A1 - Boarding ladder - Google Patents
Boarding ladder Download PDFInfo
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- US20090050406A1 US20090050406A1 US11/843,317 US84331707A US2009050406A1 US 20090050406 A1 US20090050406 A1 US 20090050406A1 US 84331707 A US84331707 A US 84331707A US 2009050406 A1 US2009050406 A1 US 2009050406A1
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- Prior art keywords
- assembly
- step assembly
- boarding ladder
- collar
- lower step
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING
- B63B27/00—Arrangement of ship-based loading or unloading equipment for cargo or passengers
- B63B27/14—Arrangement of ship-based loading or unloading equipment for cargo or passengers of ramps, gangways or outboard ladders ; Pilot lifts
- B63B27/146—Pilot ladders or similar outboard ladders, e.g. bathing ladders; Pilot lifts
Definitions
- the present disclosure relates to a boarding ladder for a boat, and more particularly, to an extendable boarding ladder.
- Boats are used for many different recreational activities including, but not limited to, water skiing. Often times during these recreational activities, a person in the water wishes to board the boat. However, due to the size of boat ladders and spatial constraints in the boat, storage of these ladders becomes difficult. In addition, boat ladders are often difficult to use to get out of the water. Therefore, a need exists for a compact boat ladder that allows easier entry into a boat.
- An aspect of the present disclosure relates to a boarding ladder assembly including an upper step assembly having a first collar and a second collar.
- a lower step assembly includes a left side and a right side that are selectively slidably engaged with the first collar and the second collar, respectively, such that the lower step assembly is selectively slidable between a raised position and a lowered position.
- a left extension and a right extension are pivotally engaged with the left side and the right side, respectively, such that the left extension and the right extension pivot between a folded position and an extended position.
- the left extension and the right extension are selectively slidably engaged with the first collar and the second collar, respectively, in the extended position.
- Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method of lowering a boarding ladder assembly.
- the method includes pivoting a left extension and a right extension of a lower step assembly to an extended position.
- a retention member is disengaged from engagement with an upper step assembly and the lower step assembly.
- the lower step assembly is lowered from the upper step assembly until a stop on each of the left extension and the right extension abuts the upper step assembly.
- the boat includes a boat hull.
- An upper step assembly is mounted to the boat hull such that a step portion of the upper step assembly is generally parallel to a deck of the boat.
- the upper step assembly includes a first collar and a second collar.
- a lower step assembly includes a left side and a right side that are selectively slidably engaged with the first collar and the second collar, respectively.
- the lower step assembly is selectively slidable between a raised position and a lowered position.
- a left extension and a right extension are pivotally engaged with the left side and the right side, respectively. The left and right extensions selectively pivot between a folded position and an extended position.
- FIG. 1 is a fragmentary isometric view of a boat with a boarding ladder assembly having features that are examples of inventive aspects in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the boarding ladder assembly of FIG. 1 in a stowed position.
- FIG. 3 is a left side view of the boarding ladder assembly of FIG. 2 .
- FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the boarding ladder assembly of FIG. 2 with a right extension in an extended position.
- FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the boarding ladder assembly of FIG. 2 with the right extension and a left extension in the extended position.
- FIG. 6 is an isometric view of the boarding ladder assembly of FIG. 2 with a retention pin disengaged.
- FIG. 7 is an isometric view of the boarding ladder assembly of FIG. 2 with a lower step assembly in a lowered position.
- the boat 2 includes a deck 4 and a hull 6 .
- the hull 6 includes a transom area 8 having a port side and a starboard side. Disposed on the port side of the transom area 8 of the boat hull 6 is a boarding ladder assembly, generally designated 10 , for boarding the boat 2 . It will be understood, however, that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the boarding ladder assembly 10 being disposed on the port side of the transom area 8 of the hull 6 .
- the boarding ladder assembly 10 includes an upper step assembly, generally designated 12 , and a lower step assembly, generally designated 14 .
- the upper step assembly 12 includes a step portion 16 , a left side portion 18 and a right side portion 20 .
- the left and right side portions 18 , 20 extend outwardly from the step portion 16 .
- the left and right side portions 18 , 20 extend in a generally perpendicular direction relative to a length L 1 of the step portion 16 such that the left and right side portions 18 , 20 and the step portion 16 cooperate to define a generally U-shaped structure. It will be understood, however, that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the left and right side portions 18 , 20 extending outwardly from the step portion 16 in a generally perpendicular direction or to defining a generally U-shaped structure.
- the upper step assembly 12 further includes a first collar 22 and a second collar 24 .
- the first collar 22 is welded to the left side portion 18 of the upper step assembly 12 and a first end 26 of the step portion 16 .
- the second collar 24 is welded to the right side portion 20 and a second end 28 of the step portion 16 . It will be understood, however, that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the first and second collars 22 , 24 being welded to the left and right side portions 18 , 20 and the first and second ends 26 , 28 of the step portion 16 , respectively.
- the first and second collars 22 , 24 are generally cylindrical in shape. Each of the first and second collars 22 , 24 defines a thru-hole 30 , 32 , respectively, with each of the thru-holes 30 , 32 defining a central axis 34 , 36 , respectively.
- the central axes 34 , 36 are oriented so as to be generally perpendicular to the step portion 16 and the left and right side portions 18 , 20 . It will be understood, however that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the central axes 30 , 32 being generally perpendicular to the step portion 16 .
- the upper step assembly 12 also includes a first mounting bracket 38 and a second mounting bracket 40 .
- the first and second mounting brackets 38 , 40 are connectedly engaged to ends of the left and right side portions 18 , 20 , respectively.
- Each of the first and second mounting brackets 38 , 40 includes a plurality of mounting holes 42 . In the subject embodiment, and by way of example only, there are three mounting holes 42 disposed in each of the first and second mounting brackets 38 , 40 that are sized to receive number fourteen (#14) screws.
- the first and second mounting brackets 38 , 40 are shown at an angle ⁇ with respect to the left and right side portions 18 , 20 , where the angle ⁇ is less than or equal to 90 degrees.
- the transom area 8 is disposed at an angle ⁇ with respect to a horizontal plane 43 (shown as a dashed line in FIG. 3 ).
- the angle ⁇ is greater than angle ⁇ . It will be understood, however, that the scope of the present invention is not limited to the first and second mounting brackets 38 , 40 being at the angle ⁇ that is less than or equal to 90 degrees or greater than angle ⁇ .
- the lower step assembly 14 includes a step 44 , a left side 46 , and a right side 48 .
- the left and right sides 46 , 48 of the lower step assembly 14 are generally cylindrical in shape and extend outwardly from the step 44 in a generally perpendicular direction relative to a length L 2 of the step 44 such that the left and right sides 46 , 48 and the step 44 cooperate to define a generally U-shaped structure. It will be understood, however, that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the left and right sides 46 , 48 extending outwardly from the step 44 in a generally perpendicular direction or to defining a generally U-shaped structure.
- the lower step assembly 14 is oriented with respect to the upper step assembly 12 such that the left and right sides 46 , 48 of the lower step assembly 14 are generally aligned with the central axes 34 , 36 of the first and second collars 22 , 24 , respectively, of the upper step assembly 12 .
- Each of the thru-holes 30 , 32 of the first and second collars 22 , 24 of the upper step assembly 12 have an inner dimension that is slightly larger than the outer dimension of the left and right sides 46 , 48 .
- the slightly larger inner dimensions of the thru-holes 30 , 32 allow for the first and second collars 22 , 24 of the upper step assembly 12 to be in sliding engagement with the left and right sides 46 , 48 of the lower step assembly 14 .
- the upper and lower step assemblies 12 , 14 are manufactured from marine grade 304 stainless steel.
- the outer surfaces of the stainless steel upper and lower step assemblies 12 , 14 are polished.
- left and right bushings 50 , 52 are disposed in the thru-holes 30 , 32 of the first and second collars 22 , 24 , respectively.
- the left and right bushings 50 , 52 are made of a nylon material.
- the left and right bushings 50 , 52 also reduce or eliminate rattling between the first and second collars 22 , 24 and the left and right sides 46 , 48 , respectively, which may occur during operation of a boat on which the boarding ladder assembly 10 is installed. It will be understood, however, that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the use of left and right bushings 50 , 52 .
- the lower step assembly 14 of the boarding ladder assembly 10 further includes a left extension 54 and a right extension 56 .
- the left and right extensions 54 , 56 in the subject embodiment are similar, only the right extension 56 will be described for ease of description purposes.
- the right extension 56 is generally cylindrical and has an outer dimension that is generally similar to the outer dimension of the right side 48 of the lower step assembly 14 .
- the right extension 56 includes a first end portion 58 and a second end portion 60 .
- the first end portion 58 is pivotally engaged to a bifurcated end 62 of the right side 48 of the lower step assembly 14 .
- the pivotal engagement between the first end portion 58 of the right extension 56 and the bifurcated end 62 of the right side 48 is provided by a pin 64 that extends through the bifurcated end 62 of the right side 48 and through the first end portion 58 of the right extension 56 .
- the right extension 56 pivots about the pin 64 between a folded position (shown in FIG. 2 ) and an extended position (shown in FIG. 4 ).
- the folded position the right extension 56 is oriented generally perpendicularly to the right side 48 of the lower step assembly 14 .
- the right extension 58 is oriented so as to be generally coaxial with the right side 48 .
- each of the bifurcated ends 62 of the left and right sides 46 , 48 of the lower step assembly 14 includes a spring loaded indent ball that engages one of two indentations in the first end portions 58 of the left and right extensions 54 , 56 .
- the spring loaded indent balls function to retain the left and right extensions 54 , 56 in one of two desired positions (i.e., the folded position and the extended position).
- the indent ball engages one indentation when the right extension 56 is in the folded position and engages the other indentation when the right extension 56 is in the extended position.
- a pivotal force F P shown in FIG. 4
- F P shown in FIG. 4
- a retention member 66 selectively retains the lower step assembly 14 in a raised position (shown in FIGS. 2-6 ) with respect to the upper step assembly 12 .
- the retention member 66 is a dowel pin that is in selective connected engagement with an aperture 68 through the first collar 22 of the upper step assembly 12 and a hole 70 (shown only in FIG. 7 ) through the left side 46 of the lower step assembly 14 .
- the aperture 68 is disposed in an upper portion 72 of the first collar 22 and is generally perpendicular to the central axis 34 of the first collar.
- the hole 70 in the left side 46 of the lower step assembly 14 is also generally perpendicular to the central axis 34 of the first collar 22 .
- the hole 70 is oriented on the left side 46 of the lower step assembly 14 so as to be aligned with the aperture 68 when the lower step assembly 14 is in the raised position with respect to the upper step assembly 12 . With the lower step assembly 14 in the raised position, the retention member 66 can be inserted through both the aperture 68 and the hole 70 .
- the retention member 66 includes a ring 74 disposed through an end 76 of the retention member 66 .
- the ring 74 serves as a location by which the retention member 66 can be grasped to disengage the retention member 66 from the upper and lower step assemblies 12 , 14 .
- the ring 74 serves as an attachment point for a cable 78 (shown schematically as a dashed line in FIGS. 5-7 ).
- a first end 80 of the cable 78 is wrapped around the ring 74 of the retention member 66 while a second end 82 is attached to the boarding ladder assembly 10 .
- the cable 78 reduces the risk of losing the retention member 66 when the retention member 66 is disengaged from the upper and lower step assemblies 12 , 14 .
- the lower step assembly 14 can be lowered with respect to the upper step assembly 12 .
- the lower step assembly 14 is lowered by applying a downward force F L to the lower step assembly 14 .
- the left and right extensions 54 , 56 With the left and right extensions 54 , 56 in the extended position, the lower step assembly 14 can be lowered until the first and second collars 22 , 24 abut a stop 84 disposed in the second end portions 60 of the left and right extensions 54 , 56 .
- the stop 84 is a roll pin that is inserted in an opening 86 in the second end portion 60 of the left and right extensions 54 , 56 .
- the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the use of the roll pin as the stop 84 .
- the lower step assembly 14 can be lowered up to twelve inches from the upper step assembly 12 .
- the lower step assembly 14 can be lowered ten and seven-eighths (10.875) inches from the upper step assembly 12 .
- a method of lowering the boarding ladder assembly 10 will now be described.
- a person in a body of water, such as a lake or river, desiring to board the boat can lower the boarding ladder assembly 10 such that the lower step assembly 14 is below the water surface.
- the person can more easily and naturally put their foot on the lower step assembly 14 and board the boat.
- the left and right extensions 54 , 56 are pivoted about the pins 64 from the folded position (shown in FIG. 2 ) to the extended position (shown in FIG. 5 ).
- the retention member 66 is then disengaged from the aperture 68 in the first collar 22 of the upper step assembly 12 and the hole 70 in the left side 46 of the lower step assembly 14 .
- the downward force F L is applied to the lower step assembly 14 to lower the lower step assembly 14 with respect to the upper step assembly 12 .
- the lower step assembly 14 is lowered until the stops 74 on the left and right extensions 54 , 56 abut the first and second collars 22 , 24 . With the lower step assembly 14 in the lowered position, the person steps onto the step 44 of the lower step assembly 14 then onto the step portion 16 of the upper step assembly 12 and into the boat.
- a step pad 88 is mounted onto the step portion 16 of the upper step assembly 12 and the step 44 of the lower step assembly 14 .
- the step pad 88 includes an upper surface 90 that is texturized to improve traction.
- an upward force F R is applied to the lower step assembly 14 until the hole 70 in the left side 46 of the lower step assembly 14 is aligned with the aperture 68 in the first collar 22 of the upper step assembly 12 .
- the retention member 66 is inserted through the aperture 68 and the hole 70 .
- this retention member 66 retains the lower step assembly 14 in the raised position.
- a pivotal force F P is then applied to each of the left and right extensions 54 , 56 to rotate the left and right extensions 54 , 56 about the pins 64 from the extended position to the folded position.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
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- Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
- Ladders (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- The present disclosure relates to a boarding ladder for a boat, and more particularly, to an extendable boarding ladder.
- Boats are used for many different recreational activities including, but not limited to, water skiing. Often times during these recreational activities, a person in the water wishes to board the boat. However, due to the size of boat ladders and spatial constraints in the boat, storage of these ladders becomes difficult. In addition, boat ladders are often difficult to use to get out of the water. Therefore, a need exists for a compact boat ladder that allows easier entry into a boat.
- An aspect of the present disclosure relates to a boarding ladder assembly including an upper step assembly having a first collar and a second collar. A lower step assembly includes a left side and a right side that are selectively slidably engaged with the first collar and the second collar, respectively, such that the lower step assembly is selectively slidable between a raised position and a lowered position. A left extension and a right extension are pivotally engaged with the left side and the right side, respectively, such that the left extension and the right extension pivot between a folded position and an extended position. The left extension and the right extension are selectively slidably engaged with the first collar and the second collar, respectively, in the extended position.
- Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method of lowering a boarding ladder assembly. The method includes pivoting a left extension and a right extension of a lower step assembly to an extended position. A retention member is disengaged from engagement with an upper step assembly and the lower step assembly. The lower step assembly is lowered from the upper step assembly until a stop on each of the left extension and the right extension abuts the upper step assembly.
- Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a boat. The boat includes a boat hull. An upper step assembly is mounted to the boat hull such that a step portion of the upper step assembly is generally parallel to a deck of the boat. The upper step assembly includes a first collar and a second collar. A lower step assembly includes a left side and a right side that are selectively slidably engaged with the first collar and the second collar, respectively. The lower step assembly is selectively slidable between a raised position and a lowered position. A left extension and a right extension are pivotally engaged with the left side and the right side, respectively. The left and right extensions selectively pivot between a folded position and an extended position.
- A variety of additional aspects will be set forth in the description that follows. These aspects can relate to individual features and to combinations of features. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the broad concepts upon which the embodiments disclosed herein are based.
-
FIG. 1 is a fragmentary isometric view of a boat with a boarding ladder assembly having features that are examples of inventive aspects in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the boarding ladder assembly ofFIG. 1 in a stowed position. -
FIG. 3 is a left side view of the boarding ladder assembly ofFIG. 2 . -
FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the boarding ladder assembly ofFIG. 2 with a right extension in an extended position. -
FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the boarding ladder assembly ofFIG. 2 with the right extension and a left extension in the extended position. -
FIG. 6 is an isometric view of the boarding ladder assembly ofFIG. 2 with a retention pin disengaged. -
FIG. 7 is an isometric view of the boarding ladder assembly ofFIG. 2 with a lower step assembly in a lowered position. - Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary aspects of the present disclosure that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like structure.
- Referring now to
FIG. 1 , aboat 2 is shown. Theboat 2 includes adeck 4 and ahull 6. Thehull 6 includes atransom area 8 having a port side and a starboard side. Disposed on the port side of thetransom area 8 of theboat hull 6 is a boarding ladder assembly, generally designated 10, for boarding theboat 2. It will be understood, however, that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to theboarding ladder assembly 10 being disposed on the port side of thetransom area 8 of thehull 6. - Referring now to
FIG. 2 , theboarding ladder assembly 10 is shown. Theboarding ladder assembly 10 includes an upper step assembly, generally designated 12, and a lower step assembly, generally designated 14. - The
upper step assembly 12 includes astep portion 16, aleft side portion 18 and aright side portion 20. The left andright side portions step portion 16. In the subject embodiment, the left andright side portions step portion 16 such that the left andright side portions step portion 16 cooperate to define a generally U-shaped structure. It will be understood, however, that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the left andright side portions step portion 16 in a generally perpendicular direction or to defining a generally U-shaped structure. - The
upper step assembly 12 further includes afirst collar 22 and asecond collar 24. In the subject embodiment, thefirst collar 22 is welded to theleft side portion 18 of theupper step assembly 12 and afirst end 26 of thestep portion 16. Thesecond collar 24 is welded to theright side portion 20 and asecond end 28 of thestep portion 16. It will be understood, however, that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the first andsecond collars right side portions second ends step portion 16, respectively. - In the subject embodiment, the first and
second collars second collars hole 30, 32, respectively, with each of the thru-holes 30, 32 defining acentral axis central axes step portion 16 and the left andright side portions central axes 30, 32 being generally perpendicular to thestep portion 16. - In the subject embodiment, the
upper step assembly 12 also includes afirst mounting bracket 38 and asecond mounting bracket 40. The first andsecond mounting brackets right side portions second mounting brackets mounting holes 42. In the subject embodiment, and by way of example only, there are threemounting holes 42 disposed in each of the first andsecond mounting brackets - Referring now to
FIGS. 2 and 3 , the first andsecond mounting brackets right side portions transom area 8 is disposed at an angle β with respect to a horizontal plane 43 (shown as a dashed line inFIG. 3 ). In order to avoid interference between thelower step assembly 14 and thetransom area 8, the angle α is greater than angle β. It will be understood, however, that the scope of the present invention is not limited to the first and second mountingbrackets - Referring to
FIG. 2 , thelower step assembly 14 includes astep 44, aleft side 46, and aright side 48. In the subject embodiment, the left andright sides lower step assembly 14 are generally cylindrical in shape and extend outwardly from thestep 44 in a generally perpendicular direction relative to a length L2 of thestep 44 such that the left andright sides step 44 cooperate to define a generally U-shaped structure. It will be understood, however, that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the left andright sides step 44 in a generally perpendicular direction or to defining a generally U-shaped structure. - In the subject embodiment, the
lower step assembly 14 is oriented with respect to theupper step assembly 12 such that the left andright sides lower step assembly 14 are generally aligned with thecentral axes second collars upper step assembly 12. Each of the thru-holes 30, 32 of the first andsecond collars upper step assembly 12 have an inner dimension that is slightly larger than the outer dimension of the left andright sides holes 30, 32 allow for the first andsecond collars upper step assembly 12 to be in sliding engagement with the left andright sides lower step assembly 14. - In the subject embodiment, and by way of example only, the upper and
lower step assemblies lower step assemblies right sides lower step assembly 14 from scratches resulting from the sliding engagement of the first andsecond collars right sides right bushings holes 30, 32 of the first andsecond collars right bushings holes 30, 32 of the first andsecond collars right sides right bushings second collars right sides boarding ladder assembly 10 is installed. It will be understood, however, that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the use of left andright bushings - Referring still to
FIG. 2 , thelower step assembly 14 of theboarding ladder assembly 10 further includes aleft extension 54 and aright extension 56. As the left andright extensions right extension 56 will be described for ease of description purposes. In the subject embodiment, theright extension 56 is generally cylindrical and has an outer dimension that is generally similar to the outer dimension of theright side 48 of thelower step assembly 14. Theright extension 56 includes afirst end portion 58 and asecond end portion 60. Thefirst end portion 58 is pivotally engaged to abifurcated end 62 of theright side 48 of thelower step assembly 14. In the subject embodiment, the pivotal engagement between thefirst end portion 58 of theright extension 56 and thebifurcated end 62 of theright side 48 is provided by apin 64 that extends through thebifurcated end 62 of theright side 48 and through thefirst end portion 58 of theright extension 56. - Referring now to
FIGS. 2 and 4 , theright extension 56 pivots about thepin 64 between a folded position (shown inFIG. 2 ) and an extended position (shown inFIG. 4 ). In the folded position, theright extension 56 is oriented generally perpendicularly to theright side 48 of thelower step assembly 14. In the extended position, theright extension 58 is oriented so as to be generally coaxial with theright side 48. - In one embodiment, each of the bifurcated ends 62 of the left and
right sides lower step assembly 14 includes a spring loaded indent ball that engages one of two indentations in thefirst end portions 58 of the left andright extensions right extensions right extension 56, the indent ball engages one indentation when theright extension 56 is in the folded position and engages the other indentation when theright extension 56 is in the extended position. As the indent ball is spring loaded, a pivotal force FP (shown inFIG. 4 ) applied to theright extension 56 will cause the ball to disengage from the indentation and allow theright extension 56 to pivot about thepin 64. - Referring now to
FIG. 5 , aretention member 66 selectively retains thelower step assembly 14 in a raised position (shown inFIGS. 2-6 ) with respect to theupper step assembly 12. In the subject embodiment, theretention member 66 is a dowel pin that is in selective connected engagement with anaperture 68 through thefirst collar 22 of theupper step assembly 12 and a hole 70 (shown only inFIG. 7 ) through theleft side 46 of thelower step assembly 14. Theaperture 68 is disposed in an upper portion 72 of thefirst collar 22 and is generally perpendicular to thecentral axis 34 of the first collar. Thehole 70 in theleft side 46 of thelower step assembly 14 is also generally perpendicular to thecentral axis 34 of thefirst collar 22. Thehole 70 is oriented on theleft side 46 of thelower step assembly 14 so as to be aligned with theaperture 68 when thelower step assembly 14 is in the raised position with respect to theupper step assembly 12. With thelower step assembly 14 in the raised position, theretention member 66 can be inserted through both theaperture 68 and thehole 70. - In the subject embodiment, the
retention member 66 includes aring 74 disposed through an end 76 of theretention member 66. Thering 74 serves as a location by which theretention member 66 can be grasped to disengage theretention member 66 from the upper andlower step assemblies ring 74 serves as an attachment point for a cable 78 (shown schematically as a dashed line inFIGS. 5-7 ). Afirst end 80 of thecable 78 is wrapped around thering 74 of theretention member 66 while asecond end 82 is attached to theboarding ladder assembly 10. Thecable 78 reduces the risk of losing theretention member 66 when theretention member 66 is disengaged from the upper andlower step assemblies - Referring now to
FIGS. 6 and 7 , with theretention member 66 removed thelower step assembly 14 can be lowered with respect to theupper step assembly 12. In the subject embodiment, thelower step assembly 14 is lowered by applying a downward force FL to thelower step assembly 14. With the left andright extensions lower step assembly 14 can be lowered until the first andsecond collars stop 84 disposed in thesecond end portions 60 of the left andright extensions stop 84 is a roll pin that is inserted in anopening 86 in thesecond end portion 60 of the left andright extensions stop 84. In one embodiment, and by way of example only, thelower step assembly 14 can be lowered up to twelve inches from theupper step assembly 12. In another embodiment, and by way of example only, thelower step assembly 14 can be lowered ten and seven-eighths (10.875) inches from theupper step assembly 12. - Referring now to
FIGS. 1-7 , a method of lowering theboarding ladder assembly 10 will now be described. With theboarding ladder assembly 10 mounted to thehull 6 of theboat 2, a person in a body of water, such as a lake or river, desiring to board the boat can lower theboarding ladder assembly 10 such that thelower step assembly 14 is below the water surface. By lowering thelower step assembly 14 below the water surface, the person can more easily and naturally put their foot on thelower step assembly 14 and board the boat. - With the
boarding ladder assembly 10 in a stowed position (i.e., thelower step assembly 14 in the raised position and the left and right extensions in the folded position as shown inFIG. 2 ), the left andright extensions pins 64 from the folded position (shown inFIG. 2 ) to the extended position (shown inFIG. 5 ). Theretention member 66 is then disengaged from theaperture 68 in thefirst collar 22 of theupper step assembly 12 and thehole 70 in theleft side 46 of thelower step assembly 14. With theretention member 66 removed, the downward force FL is applied to thelower step assembly 14 to lower thelower step assembly 14 with respect to theupper step assembly 12. Thelower step assembly 14 is lowered until thestops 74 on the left andright extensions second collars lower step assembly 14 in the lowered position, the person steps onto thestep 44 of thelower step assembly 14 then onto thestep portion 16 of theupper step assembly 12 and into the boat. In order to reduce the risk of slipping, astep pad 88 is mounted onto thestep portion 16 of theupper step assembly 12 and thestep 44 of thelower step assembly 14. In the subject embodiment, thestep pad 88 includes anupper surface 90 that is texturized to improve traction. - To return the
boarding ladder assembly 10 to the stowed position, an upward force FR is applied to thelower step assembly 14 until thehole 70 in theleft side 46 of thelower step assembly 14 is aligned with theaperture 68 in thefirst collar 22 of theupper step assembly 12. With thehole 70 and theaperture 68 aligned, theretention member 66 is inserted through theaperture 68 and thehole 70. As previously described, thisretention member 66 retains thelower step assembly 14 in the raised position. A pivotal force FP is then applied to each of the left andright extensions right extensions pins 64 from the extended position to the folded position. - Various modifications and alterations of this disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure, and it should be understood that the inventive scope of this disclosure is not to be unduly limited to the illustrative embodiments set forth herein.
Claims (20)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US11/843,317 US20090050406A1 (en) | 2007-08-22 | 2007-08-22 | Boarding ladder |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US11/843,317 US20090050406A1 (en) | 2007-08-22 | 2007-08-22 | Boarding ladder |
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US20090050406A1 true US20090050406A1 (en) | 2009-02-26 |
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US11/843,317 Abandoned US20090050406A1 (en) | 2007-08-22 | 2007-08-22 | Boarding ladder |
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US4733752A (en) * | 1987-07-14 | 1988-03-29 | Sklar Robert Z | Extensible ladder for boats |
US4811817A (en) * | 1988-05-17 | 1989-03-14 | Geary Timothy C | Self-contained ladder system for a boat |
US5749386A (en) * | 1996-10-18 | 1998-05-12 | Samuel, Jr.; Vincent D. | Golf umbrella and support |
US6021733A (en) * | 1999-01-07 | 2000-02-08 | Jaramillo, Sr.; Alfonso | Automatically retractable telescopic and rotatable steps for watercraft |
US6269908B1 (en) * | 2000-01-15 | 2001-08-07 | David R. Yeamans | Extendible self-retracting ladder |
US6530455B1 (en) * | 2000-08-11 | 2003-03-11 | Walter Kidde Portable Equipment, Inc. | Escape ladder |
US6961972B2 (en) * | 2001-10-17 | 2005-11-08 | Gordon Zachary Pendell | Apparatus to aid in entering and exiting a bed |
US7055842B1 (en) * | 2004-12-17 | 2006-06-06 | Kentfa Advanced Technology Corp. | Folding electric bicycle |
US7182175B1 (en) * | 2004-08-16 | 2007-02-27 | G.G. Schmitt & Sons, Inc. | Retractable telescopic boat ladder |
-
2007
- 2007-08-22 US US11/843,317 patent/US20090050406A1/en not_active Abandoned
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US331219A (en) * | 1885-11-24 | Benjamin c | ||
US2758770A (en) * | 1954-03-30 | 1956-08-14 | Martin Mahler | Ladder |
US3862670A (en) * | 1971-09-09 | 1975-01-28 | Cecil C Hovey | Retractable ladder for pleasure boats |
US3858683A (en) * | 1974-01-30 | 1975-01-07 | Zurn Ind Inc | Boarding ladder |
US4002223A (en) * | 1976-04-14 | 1977-01-11 | Firearms Import And Export Corporation | Telescoping collapsible ladder |
US4146941A (en) * | 1977-10-12 | 1979-04-03 | Shirley B. Haslam | Boat bow ladder assembly |
US4724925A (en) * | 1987-05-11 | 1988-02-16 | Step-On Inc. | Boat boarding ladders |
US4719989A (en) * | 1987-06-26 | 1988-01-19 | Step-On Inc. | Boat boarding ladders having a stowage feature |
US4733752A (en) * | 1987-07-14 | 1988-03-29 | Sklar Robert Z | Extensible ladder for boats |
US4811817A (en) * | 1988-05-17 | 1989-03-14 | Geary Timothy C | Self-contained ladder system for a boat |
US5749386A (en) * | 1996-10-18 | 1998-05-12 | Samuel, Jr.; Vincent D. | Golf umbrella and support |
US6021733A (en) * | 1999-01-07 | 2000-02-08 | Jaramillo, Sr.; Alfonso | Automatically retractable telescopic and rotatable steps for watercraft |
US6269908B1 (en) * | 2000-01-15 | 2001-08-07 | David R. Yeamans | Extendible self-retracting ladder |
US6530455B1 (en) * | 2000-08-11 | 2003-03-11 | Walter Kidde Portable Equipment, Inc. | Escape ladder |
US6961972B2 (en) * | 2001-10-17 | 2005-11-08 | Gordon Zachary Pendell | Apparatus to aid in entering and exiting a bed |
US7182175B1 (en) * | 2004-08-16 | 2007-02-27 | G.G. Schmitt & Sons, Inc. | Retractable telescopic boat ladder |
US7055842B1 (en) * | 2004-12-17 | 2006-06-06 | Kentfa Advanced Technology Corp. | Folding electric bicycle |
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